Buying a budget deer hunting scope (i.e., under $500) can be a tad bit tricky. For starters, there are hundreds of options to leave you confused. Plus, as a newbie hunter, you might not know of the basics to check in a quality scope.

The Vortex Diamondback is the first budget rifle scope on our list, and rightly so. Made from one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, this little buddy is a mighty one. Solid build, highly resistant to magnum recoil, and fog and waterproof, sharp images, this one doesn’t look and perform like it’s under $500. 

If you live in North America, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Buckmasters. They are a pioneer deer hunting organization known for their dedication to wildlife management and the prevention of deer hunting as a pastime. Buckmasters founder and CEO Jackie Bushman inspired the Sig Sauer scopes.

This budget scope is readily available with the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC reticle and has an MOA ranging from 1.5-8. It comes pre-filled with nitrogen, which makes it fog and water-resistant. The multi-coated lens allows effective light transmission and promises unmatched clarity under changing light conditions. Like every other Vortex rifle scopes, this one, too, comes with the company’s winning lifetime warranty.